Evidence that glucocorticosteroids block expression of the human interleukin-6 gene by accessory cells.
The mode of action of glucocorticosteroids as immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory agents is not fully understood. Glucocorticosteroids block synthesis of interleukin 1 by interfering with the transcription of the IL-1 beta gene. Glucocorticosteroids may also induce rapid degradation of IL-1 mRNA. In the presence of antigen, IL-1 is a potent accessory-cell-derived growth and differentiation co-factor for stimulating resting T lymphocytes. The recently defined interleukin 6 protein is even more powerful than IL-1 in promoting T cell growth and differentiation and acts synergistically with IL-1. Like IL-1, IL-6 is produced by accessory cells and exhibits pleiotropic functions. We herein describe the effects of glucocorticosteroids on IL-6 synthesis. We provide evidence that glucocorticosteroids prevent IL-6 gene transcription in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Zanker
B
B
Beth Israel Hospital, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
Walz
G
G
Wieder
K J
KJ
Strom
T B
TB
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D015850:Interleukin-6; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2